North Waltham resident reports another visit from bear

There has been another sighting of a bear, presumably the same one that has been frequenting a residential Waltham neighborhood off Trapelo Road near the Lincoln border.

As earlier reported in the Waltham Times, a resident’s Ring camera recorded footage of the black bear investigating a table on her porch on March 17.  A security camera at a different home recorded a bear visit two weeks later on March 31.

Residents of the neighborhood are not out of the woods yet, as on April 19 the bear again visited the yard of Casey DeVito, the owner of the home where the March 17 footage was recorded. DeVito discussed her brush with nature in an interview with CBS Boston.

The bear has not posed a threat to humans or pets, but anyone spotting a bear or other large wildlife is advised to avoid approaching or otherwise interacting with the animal. Wildlife experts recommend the following guidelines:

To report a bear sighting:

• Immediate threat or emergency: Call 911 or the Massachusetts Environmental Police at 1-800-632-8075.
• Non-emergency general sightings: Contact MassWildlife at 508-389-6300.

What to do during a sighting:

• Leave it alone: If a bear is in a neighborhood, it will often leave on its own if not disturbed.
• Prevent habituation: Do not feed, chase or surround the bear.
• Remove attractants: Remove bird feeders, secure trash and clean grills.
• Make sure pets are secured and safe from harm, especially during the night.
• If a bear approaches, remain calm, make yourself big and speak in a firm, low voice while backing away.